Circle of Life: Fall/Winter 2021

Fall/Winter 2021

A PUBLICATION OF NJ SHARING NETWORK

Volume 13 Issue 2

Joe’s Corner

William Arthur Ward, a popular American writer who infused many inspirational messages into his poems and articles, once said, “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” His words ring true, especially during this holiday season and as we get set to enter 2022 with a renewed energy after a challenging time.

Our NJ Sharing Network family is forever grateful to the generous donors and their families who gave the gift of life. This issue of our Circle of Life magazine highlights “TO REMEMBER” demonstrated by the beautiful cover photo from our NJ Sharing Network Meditation Garden. Like all of us, the river stones in the cover photo have distinct shades, sizes and shapes, but they are all strong and resilient. This collection of unique stones symbolizes the bonds we create as we come together to support our life-saving mission.

The inspirational tribute stories of Maurice Murchison and Dilipkumar S. Patel (pages 4-7) exemplify the giving spirit that exists in our diverse communities throughout New Jersey. We celebrate and honor donor heroes, like Maurice and Dilipkumar, for their selfless decision to save and enhance the lives of countless others who now have more holidays, birthdays and special moments to share with their loved ones.

In recent months, we have been grateful to safely reconnect in person with our supportive community. We have been inspired by the overwhelming expressions of support and the positive vibes everyone felt during our 5K Celebration of Life, National Minority Donor Awareness Month and National Donor Sabbath activities. Be sure to check out the photos inside this issue from our recent events and activities. And remember to stay connected with us on our redesigned website and social media pages for our latest news.

I want to also express my personal appreciation for our team members, healthcare partners and volunteers who power our efforts each and every day. You give hope to the nearly 4,000 people in the Garden State who are waiting for a life-saving transplant.

We now move ahead—together—into 2022 with the hope of even brighter days to come! Let’s never lose sight of the many blessings we’ve been given, and remember that even the simplest act of kindness can make a world of difference to those around us.

I wish you a joyful holiday season and a happy and healthy new year!

Joseph S. Roth President and CEO, NJ Sharing Network

HEALTHCARE HEROES NJ Sharing Network proudly accepted the prestigious NJBIZ 2021 Healthcare Heroes Award in recognition of its #DonationNeedsDiversity awareness initiative led by Director of Hospital and Community Services Alyssa D’Addio and her Community Services team. The initiative is credited with building community trust and dispelling misinformation about donation and transplantation in urban, multicultural communities with the most residents waiting for transplant. It played a critical role in generating a 14% increase in New Jersey organ and tissue donor registrations in 2020.

BEST PLACES TO WORK For the fourth consecutive year, NJ Sharing Network has been named as one of the Best Places to Work in New Jersey 2021 by NJBIZ. This year’s recognition was achieved in the face of unprecedented challenges during the pandemic when NJ Sharing Network’s clinical team members put their own lives at risk on the frontlines of care to provide comfort and support to donor families.

A CHAMPION OF DIVERSITY The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce and the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey honored President and CEO Joe Roth as a “Champion of Diversity” for NJ Sharing Network’s innovative multicultural community outreach initiatives and for working with a wide and diverse range of community volunteers and partners committed to saving and enhancing lives.

HATS OFF TO THE RECOVERY TEAM It has been an exciting time for NJ Sharing Network’s Recovery Team members, who were recently honored with LifeNet’s Outstanding Performance Award for the first and second quarter of 2021. The impressive championship belt award recognized the team’s excellence in earning a 0% contamination rate on heart valve cultures. Community Tissue Services (CTS) also acknowledged the Recovery Team for its low contamination rate and for practicing careful stewardship of tissue donations.

To Honor. To Remember. To Give Hope.

TO HONOR NJ Sharing Network's family is deeply saddened by the passing of long-time volunteer Mark Meade. Following his life-saving heart transplant in 2008, Mark was grateful for a second chance at life and lived each day to the fullest.

Along with Terry, his loving caregiver and wife of 56 years, Mark made it a priority to give back, pay it forward and honor his anonymous donor by sharing his story with thousands of people to raise awareness of the critical need for organ

and tissue donation. He was also honored to be a Donate Life float rider at the 2016 Rose Parade to share his story with a worldwide audience.

During a television news interview in 2014, Mark said, “I was lucky enough to get a heart transplant, and we can’t begin to tell you how fortunate we feel. Terry and I always feel the need to give back and we encourage everyone to register as donors to give life to others.”

TO REMEMBER

Janice McNamara’s passing hurt the hearts of the entire NJ Sharing Network family. She will always be remembered as a passionate and dedicated volunteer who made friends everywhere she went thanks to her special way of genuinely connecting with others.

Janice’s longtime struggle with a rare lung disease forced her to use an oxygen tank around the clock to help her breathe. However, Janice (pictured on right) was blessed with a second chance at life after a successful lung transplant in January 2013. On that day, she received a new set of lungs from her donor angel, Dr. Jamila Irons-Johnson, (pictured inset) who had tragically suffered a fatal aneurysm rupture. Jamila was

a married mother of two children and a psychologist who focused on supporting abused or neglected children.

Janice formed a powerful bond and close friendship with Jamila’s mother, Janice Campbell (pictured on left). The team of Janice and Janice was well recognized in our local communities as they shared their personal stories to teach others about the miracle of organ and tissue donation while paying tribute to Jamila for giving the gift of life to Janice and others.

TO GIVE HOPE

Tracey Amadi has faced many unexpected challenges in life, but she continues to rise each day with hope for brighter days ahead. In 2007, Tracey’s husband Emmanuel C. Amadi of nearly 20 years tragically passed away in a car accident leaving Tracey to care for their three young children. Less than a year later, Tracey faced a critical health scare when her kidneys failed and she was soon forced to go on dialysis.

“I was barely surviving at that time and I had nearly no energy to make it through the days,” said Tracey.

Tracey’s son Emmanuel N. stepped up to donate one of his kidneys as part of a living kidney donor exchange program at Saint Barnabas

Medical Center. Tracey’s successful transplant gave her a new lease on life and she was able to enjoy watching her children grow, graduate college and lead successful lives.

Unfortunately, Tracey is now back on dialysis and waiting for another life-saving kidney transplant.

“This time is much different for me because I am waiting with the power of knowledge and experience,” said Tracey. “Every day is not a given.

Life is just too short to be gloomy and negative.

I appreciate life and I appreciate what God has given me. The storm does not last forever. Let me have hope that one day there will be a ray of sunshine.”

Special thanks to Quality Insights Renal Network for supporting Tracey and kidney care patients throughout our area and for partnering with NJ Sharing Network to raise awareness about the life-saving benefits of organ and tissue donation.

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In the Community

Community outreach and education always play a critical role in NJ Sharing Network’s life-saving mission. In recent months, team members, advocates, volunteers and partners were thrilled to begin safely reconnecting in person. Partner hospitals, schools, houses of worship and neighborhood organizations have also resumed many awareness events and activities. Outreach efforts continue to flourish online and in local news media thanks to those who share their uplifting stories and messages.

#DONATIONNEEDSDIVERSITY

The award-winning #DonationNeedsDiversity awareness initiative was shifted into high gear during National Minority Donor Awareness Month and Hispanic Heritage Month. Thousands participated in both online and in-person events focused on empowering multicultural communities to become more involved in saving and enhancing lives through organ and tissue donation. According to United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents are waiting for a life-saving transplant, and 67% are people of color.

NATIONAL DONOR SABBATH

In November, National Donor Sabbath activities focused on educating faith-based communities about the critical need for organ and tissue donation, and the vital role faith plays in making the decision to register as a donor. Most major religions in the United States support donation as an unselfish act of charity. Several local faith leaders and those active in their faith community shared inspirational stories and unique perspectives during Faith and the Miracle of Organ and Tissue Donation, an entertaining, informative event streamed live on NJ Sharing Network’s Facebook and YouTube channels.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: ON THE ROAD AGAIN

The popular NJ Sharing Network promotional van has hit the streets with a brand new design! Be sure to keep an eye out and honk (gently) if you see the van on the road for upcoming events. A couple of the van’s first stops were at The Pingry School’s Day of Service (pictured above) and RWJBarnabas Health’s Running with the Devils 5K Run & Walk at the Turtle Back Zoo!

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OUR NEW COMMUNICATIONS CAMPAIGN conveys the importance of registering as an organ and tissue donor. It features a variety of photos showing donor heroes of all ages, races and ethnicities united by a common focus on helping others. Learn more at NJSharingNetwork.org/ Every-Community-Needs-Heroes.

PARTNERSHIPS FOR LIFE

By teaming up with MTF Biologics, we shine a spotlight on how donated skin changes lives for those affected by breast cancer. Team members participated in MTF’s BRA DAY (Breast Reconstructive Awareness) community event (pictured right) and distributed bras to local charities.

Our longstanding partnership with Eversight fosters innovation and advancements in donation, transplantation and research to help restore sight and prevent blindness. NJ Sharing Network helped kick-start Eversight’s Community Partners Program as a Founding Partner to work together to raise awareness and inspire others to register as donors.

Our hospital partners have earned HRSA’s Workplace Partnership for Life Platinum Awards for their extraordinary efforts in raising awareness among staff, patients and community members about the critical importance of organ and tissue donation.

Thank you University Hospital in Newark (pictured right), and all of our hospitals for working around the clock with us to save and enhance lives through organ and tissue donation and transplantation.

REVAMPED AND RE-ENERGIZED WEBSITE MAKEOVER

Check out the refreshed design that features an updated, modern look and improved navigation to access all of our latest news, inspiring stories and information.

The new site design is also mobile-friendly, making it easier to use from any device.

Visit NJSharingNetwork.org.

NJSharingNetwork.org

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Cover Story

Our donor heroes, including those featured in this issue, exemplify what it means to care for others.

We thank all of our selfless donors whose legacies will live on forever.

Poem y b Robert N.Test The day will come when my body will lie upon a white sheet neatly tucked under four corners of a mattress located in a hospital busily occupied with the living and the dying.

At a certain moment, a doctor will determine that my brain has ceased to function and that, for all intents and purposes, my life has stopped.

When that happens, do not attempt to instill artificial life into my body by the use of a machine, and don’t call this my death bed. Let this be called the bed of life, and let my body be taken from it to help others lead fuller lives.

Give my sight to the man who has never seen a sunrise, a baby’s face or love in the eyes of a woman.

Give my heart to a person whose own heart has caused nothing but endless days of pain.

Give my kidneys to one who depends on a machine to exist.

Take my bones, every muscle, every fiber and nerve in my body and find a way to make a crippled child walk.

Burn what is left of me and scatter the ashes to the winds to help the flowers grow.

If you must bury something, let it be my faults, my weaknesses and all prejudice against my fellow man.

If by chance you wish to remember me, do it with a kind deed or a word to someone who needs you. If you do all I have asked, I will live forever.

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A KID AT HEART…FOREVER A HERO Maurice Murchison, 47, was the kind of person that everyone wanted to be around. His family and many friends always called him a “big kid,” and his playful personality and hearty laugh would instantly brighten any room.

“Maurice was ‘the baby’ in our family, and he was definitely a kid at heart all the way,” said Marcia McGowan, Maurice’s sister. “He had great charisma and everyone seemed to connect with Maurice. He had an amazing ability to enjoy the little things in life, and he would show it with his big, toothy smile. He just had a heart of gold.”

On November 16, 2020, the Murchison family’s “angel” earned his wings when Maurice tragically passed away following a stroke. The lifelong Elizabeth resident will forever be remembered for the joy he brought to others and for his simple love for being in the company of his family. He especially enjoyed playing video games and challenging his nine nephews and nieces to show them that, despite his age, he was the “Top Gamer” in the family.

Maurice’s father Eugene and his siblings, Marcia, James and Germaine, will never forget the time that Maurice took the entire family out to eat and was happy to pay the bill. “He was always giving to others and would do anything he could to spend time with everyone he loved,” said Marcia.

When Maurice passed away at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, the medical team notified his family that he was a registered organ and tissue donor, underscoring his desire to save and enhance the lives of others. Marcia credits the hospital staff and NJ Sharing Network team for their caring support during an emotional and difficult time for their family.

“We were not aware that Maurice was a registered donor until we were told at the hospital,” said Marcia. “My father was definitely a bit hesitant and unsure at first. But then, I spoke with my dad to explain that Maurice was doing a good deed to leave a legacy and let someone else live on. We are thankful that NJ Sharing Network was there for us and continues to honor and remember Maurice and his legacy.”

After having that important conversation, the entire family began to recognize organ and tissue donation as a beautiful miracle. They also understood that Maurice’s decision was just another way for him to show his compassion for others.

Above all else, Maurice enjoyed sharing special moments with his family and friends.

He made sure that each holiday or get-together turned into a joyful celebration.

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“We can all help someone else and that’s Network’s 5K Celebration of Life. In what Maurice would have wanted,” said July, they celebrated Maurice’s birthday by Marcia. “That day, we were all reminded visiting NJ Sharing Network’s Landscape to give our blessings to of Life Meditation Garden someone else. Checking that and followed it with a “He was always box to be an organ donor dinner celebration that gives hope to someone that would have made Maurice giving to others needs another chance to live proud. and would do life to its fullest.”

Marcia also points out anything he could Maurice’s selfless decision another important way proved to be a true blessing that Maurice has forever to spend time with for many others. His kidneys touched the lives of those everyone he loved.“ and lungs were successfully around him. transplanted to save lives, “It was funny to hear —Marcia McGowan, and his liver and pancreas how many of our friends Maurice's sister were donated for clinical admitted that they never research. Maurice’s tissue really thought about donations will also enhance the organ donation until Maurice lives of more than 75 others. passed,” said Marcia. “I The Murchison family now had several family members makes it a priority to keep and friends come up to me Maurice’s memory alive and and say ‘hey, that’s the right vibrant. Each family get-together thing to do — I am going to has added meaning and joy change my license to be an because they know Maurice’s organ donor.’ Maurice has spirit is with them. Maurice’s shown others what a beautiful family and friends also created a thing it is to give another team in his honor for NJ Sharing person a chance to live.” •

QUILTS OF LOVE

Each individually-designed quilt square, in honor of a donor, tells its own unique and touching story of life and love. Some include photos, others have symbols of favorite hobbies, careers, heritage and faith.

The quilts are proudly displayed in NJ Sharing Network’s headquarters and during local community events and activities.

For more information about participation in the Quilts of Love program, visit NJSharingNetwork.org/quilts-of-love.

Pictured above: Dilip Patel, donor.

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A LEGACY OF CARING FOR OTHERS

For more than two decades, Dilipkumar (Dilip) fiancé because the condo we purchased was not S. Patel, 60, was a popular, well-recognized face yet ready. I knew this would be a special time around town as the owner because it would be the last and operator of Old Bridge time living all together before “Speaking with Bar and Liquors. He made starting our lives in our new it a priority to greet every home.”

Riddhi reminded me customer with a welcoming Unfortunately, tragedy that her father was smile despite working 16-hour struck in September when truly a hero that will days, every day of the week.

Dilip suffered a massive Everyone enjoyed Dilip’s kind go on to impact many lives heart attack. He passed away and friendly personality as at Hackensack Meridian in the future. I hope that the Raritan Bay Medical Center they shared countless stories and chatted about the latest surrounded by his loving legacy he left behind news and events. family. While there are no will bring at least some At their home in words to describe the family’s sort of comfort to Sayreville, Dilip’s family loved feeling of sadness and loss, him dearly for his selfless Riddhi believes that her their family and friends.” nature in doing everything he father’s personal decision —James Johnson, could to provide for them. to be an organ and tissue He had a very simple focus donor gave them some Surgical Recovery Specialist in life — ensuring that his comfort during their toughest wife Hemisha and their three moments. children, Riddhi, Hiral and Vrajesh, were always “My dad was a big advocate for organ happy, healthy and safe. donation, and we always knew that it is what he “My father was always the first one to be wanted to do after he passed,” said Riddhi. “He ready and super excited for family gatherings had just updated his license a few months prior, and parties,” said Riddhi. “That’s what made him and he reminded my mom and others to make so loved and great. He wasn’t into materialistic sure that they say yes to be an organ and tissue things, and he never complained. He was just donor.” happy to exist each day being with others.”

Dilip’s donated pancreas will be used for Earlier this year, Dilip finally decided to sell diabetes research that could have a direct hand in his store to reduce stress and spend more time helping those who suffer from the disease. His at home. His wife and children, now successful tissue donations will also enhance the lives of adults, were all proud that their father would many others. be able to relax a bit and have more free time “I know that my father would be very happy to focus on what matters most. He kept his life that he is continuing to help others — especially balanced by continuing to work part-time at through research,” said Riddhi. “In our Hindu the store, and he planned to spend some time faith, we cremate our bodies, but my father working at a local senior center. Despite having deeply supported the principle of helping and diabetes and high cholesterol, Dilip stayed active saving the lives of others through organ and by swimming three times per week and made tissue donation.” sure to regularly check his sugar.

Many friends, neighbors and those who knew “His partial retirement was perfect timing Dilip continue to send the Patel family positive for him and for all of us,” said Riddhi. “I had thoughts and prayers of support. His selfless recently moved back home along with my legacy will always be remembered.• Pictured below left to right: Dilip and his family. Flag raising at Hackensack Meridian Raritan Bay Medical Center to honor Dilip. Dilip and his wife Hemisha exchange leis during a family wedding celebration to share good blessings and express their desire to be forever united in heart and soul.

“The moment of silence that we had in the operating room for Dilip and his family was very special.

We always talk about the donor’s life and read messages from their family. I place my hand on the donor’s shoulder and thank them and their family for making the decision to save the life of others.”

—Siomel Gomez Surgical Recovery Specialist

COPING WITH GRIEF NJ Sharing Network honors every donor and family who makes the generous decision to donate at the time of their loved one’s passing.

Ongoing support is offered beginning at the hospital and continuing with grief resources, workshops and events. Caring professionals are available to help answer questions about donation, provide updates on recipients and assist with donor family/recipient correspondence.

For more information, visit NJSharingNetwork.org.

Upcoming Grief Workshops for Families of Organ and Tissue Donors January 30 Living While Grieving February 27 Death in the Family: Who are we now?

March 27 Handling Grief on Special Occasions May 1 Bearing the Unbearable – Self Care in Grief

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Let's Get Social

Activity on our social media pages skyrocketed during our 5K Celebration of Life!

More than 31,000 viewed Facebook and 6,084 liked or shared amazing photos, videos and messages or checked in at the event.

Plus, nearly 300 said “YES” to join the donor registry!

Be sure to tell your family and friends to help us reach our goal of 25,000 followers on Facebook!

HEALTHCARE HEROES MAKE IT HAPPEN! Thank you to our dedicated partners and professionals who power our mission.

HONORING OUR DONORS Our donors and their families will forever be remembered for their generosity and compassion for others.

Bianca Beck, organ and tissue donor, had an unforgettable smile.

Donor Sham Karnani, with son Raj, advocated for our life-saving mission.

Shane Myer’s selfless gifts saved and enhanced the lives of 70 people.

STORIES OF HOPE Your transplant anniversaries inspire us all to celebrate the gift of life.

Michael Vamos and mother, Jane, honor his lung donor on the 11th of each month at sunrise.

Jim Fiola recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of his life-saving liver transplant.

Mike Strusiak is grateful for his 14th transplant anniversary.

SPREADING THE WORD We are united in our efforts to educate our multicultural communities about donation and transplantation.

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Raising Funds & Awareness

Thousands Reconnect and Share the Love During 5K Celebration of Life

There was pure joy in the air. Everyone was so enthusiastic.

I loved walking around and meeting new friends. Some of my team members that never participated before were surprised at the size of the event. I was really happy to see so many people visiting the Quilts of Love display this year. It’s my favorite thing to do to pay my respects to those who gave the gift of life.”

For the first time in more than a year, our community of supporters finally came together in person on September 12 to share laughter, tears, smiles and hugs during our 5K Celebration of Life.

This healing and uplifting event raised more than $1 million to support the NJ Sharing Network Foundation. These funds support our collective efforts to increase the number of lives saved through innovative transplant research, family support, public awareness and education.

—Michael Rizzo Heart Transplant Recipient Team The Beat Lives On

Together we raised

$1 MILLION.

Special thanks to our top teams.

To view all teams and sponsors,

visit NJSharingNetwork.org/5K.

Team Levine Team Luke Team Buck Tyler’s Tight Lines Team Courtney

SIGN UP NOW

MAY 15, 2022 LONG BRANCH, NJ

JUNE 5, 2022

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ

5K WALK & USATF CERTIFIED RACE 7:30AM EVENT BEGINS | 8:30AM RACE | 10:00AM WALK

NJSharingNetwork.org/5K

1 2 3 4 5

$50,000

In memory of John Levine

$46,941

In memory of Luke Bautista

$35,315

In memory of Dan Buckiewicz

$13,925

In memory of Tyler Rodimer

$11,460

In memory of Courtney Dayback

Get creative by helping us design next year’s 5K t-shirt.

Stay tuned for contest details.

We Salute Our Amazing 5K Steering Committee Victor DiSanto (left) New Providence 5K Chair Team Liberty Paul Jova (right) Long Branch 5K Chair Team Andrew Melissa Alfano Team Wayne G Chris Bautista Team Luke Heather Behan Maeve The Brave Lakisha Bray Joybelleslove Jane Buckiewicz Team Buck Amy Buddle Team Buck Gianna Caruso 5K Volunteer Jennifer Ehrentraut Bob's Brigade Kathleen Finnegan Linda's Lovees Ezequiel Garcia Team Rey Jennifer Jova Team Andrew Rajesh Karnani Team SCK Christine Linton Team RB Terry Meade 5K Volunteer David Oddo Team Peapack Ron Oswick Second Chance Janet Palumbo Team Hailey Kari Phair Cindy's Six Debbie Prince Max's Mitzvah Movers Michael Rizzo The Beat Lives On Denise Roth HHS Donate Life Club Dan Sarnowski Betsy's Dash James Sorenson Jayla's Journey Steve Sutkowski Team Infineum Cheryl Wolf Team Hope Wolf

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691 Central Avenue New Providence, NJ 07974 800-742-7365 • 908-516-5400 NJSharingNetwork.org

WHO WE ARE

PAID Union, NJ

Permit No. 931

NJ Sharing Network is a non-profit, federally designated organ procurement organization (OPO) responsible for the recovery of organs and tissue for the nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents currently awaiting transplantation, and is part of the national recovery system, which is in place for the 110,000 people on waiting lists.

NJ Sharing Network is a designated OPO by UNOS; accredited by AOPO, ASHI, AATB and CAP; and registered with the FDA and NJ and NY State DOH. NJ Sharing Network is a member of Community Health Charities.

JOIN IN THE CELEBRATION 35 Years of Saving and Enhancing Lives in NJ

Since 1987, NJ Sharing Network’s mission has been to save and enhance lives through the miracle of organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Now, 35 years later, we continue our life-saving work and celebrate not only our accomplishments, but each and every person who has been touched

by our mission.

Our 35th anniversary is a time to look back on all we have accomplished together and look forward to new achievements in the years ahead. There is always more work to be done, more lives to be saved and more ways to honor and to remember those who gave the gift of life.

YEARS

WHERE WERE YOU 35 YEARS AGO? Do you have a favorite memory of NJ Sharing Network?

Join in the celebration…be among the first 35 people to share at socialmedia@NJSharingNetwork.org to be part of our memory circle included in our next issue.

CONNECT WITH US

SAY YES AND BE A HERO Make Organ and Tissue Donation a Part of Your Legacy A hero is someone who is selfless, generous in spirit, who tries to help people and gives back as much as possible.

Choosing to give the gift of life is a way to leave a lasting legacy, not just for yourself but for your friends and loved ones to continue to honor.

Register as an Organ and Tissue Donor Registration is quick and easy.

Visit NJSharingNetwork.org/ Register or through the iPhone Health App, or in person at your local Motor Vehicle Agency.

Question or comments? Reach out to editor@NJSharingNetwork.org If you receive multiple magazines and would only like one or if you no longer wish to receive information from NJ Sharing Network, please call 908-516-5400.